Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, St. Stephen’s Commandery #543 Celebrate Feast of St. John the Baptist.

Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, St. Stephen’s Commandery #543 Celebrate Feast of St. John the Baptist.

Today, the Knights of St. John International, St. Stephen’s Commandery #543, and the St. Monica’s Ladies Auxiliary #496 honored their patron saint by marking the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The celebration included attending Mass and organizing a nine-day novena dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Members were assigned individual prayers for the first six days and gathered at the chapel for the last three days to complete the novena. The novena theme was “St. John the Baptist, the burning and shining lamp of the world intercede for us.”

Rev. Fr. Francis M. Ayaric presided over the Mass, with the event organized by the local commandery president, Noble Brother Francis K. Yeaboah. The Mass saw the attendance of members of the Noble Order and some of the Catholic faithful.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Francis focused on the works of St. John the Baptist, emphasizing his unwavering faith, dedication to his mission, and his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. He highlighted how St. John the Baptist’s life was a testament to humility, courage, and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Rev. Fr. Francis also advised the members to follow in the footsteps of their patron saint by embodying his virtues in their daily lives. He encouraged them to be burning and shining lamps in their communities, to lead by example, and to remain committed to their faith and service to others. “As St. John the Baptist stood firm in his faith and proclaimed the coming of the Lord, so must we stand firm in our own faith and be a beacon of light to those around us,” he said. “Let us take inspiration from his life and strive to live with the same zeal, dedication, and love for God.”

The theme of the novena emphasized St. John the Baptist’s role as a guiding light and intercessor for the faithful. The event provided a spiritual renewal for the participants, highlighting the significance of St. John the Baptist’s life and mission in the Christian faith. Rev. Fr. Francis concluded his homily by urging everyone to seek St. John the Baptist’s intercession in their personal and communal lives. He reminded the congregation that, just as St. John prepared the way for Christ, they too are called to prepare the way for Christ in their hearts and in the world around them.